Sunday, November 30, 2008

On this dark and dreary Sunday shops in town were open. As we still needed to do some last minute shopping for Sint Nicolas and because we wanted some fresh air we decided to go into town.

It didn't seem too crowded as would have been quiet normal for an open Sunday. Guess the cold, dreary weather kept most people inside. This coming week the shops will be open most evenings too because of the feast of St. Nicolas we celebrate on the 5th of December.

In this shop window the sack of St. Nicolas was filled to the brim.Lights are hanging in trees and Black Pete's are playing football with some kids.Black Pete's figures are hanging around everywhere.Outside it is dark and dreary but the festivity season is surely here as can be seen by the lighted decorations hanging above the streets. Sorry this is not my season! Winter still has to come and yet I can't wait for Spring to be here again.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

This weeks photo hunter theme is metal. First thing I thought of sharing with you is this new piece of art I noticed a few weeks ago. This is part of the route I cycle every day to and from my work and all of a sudden there was this metal sculpture standing there. Must say I like its delicate form.Today I took a closer look and the sign in front of it said that this metal sculpture is there in remembrance of the world's biggest exhibition of iron sculptures. It's called: CURVESHere's a closer look from both sides.

Friday, November 28, 2008

After nearly 17 years time seems to have turned around for now it's us, and not the kids, who Saint Nicolas visits. Since he is in the country this is the second time we found a chocolate letter in our shoes. Thanks young Saint Nicolas, we really appreciate it!What better way to start the weekend then with a cuppa tea and a nice chocolate letter to go along. And.... for those of you who might think a C is larger than the L...... each letter weighs the same 65 grams of chocolate, according to the box. Oh and by the way we have three kids so who knows....................

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Between all my study books I decided I deserved a break and just now I finished reading "Chocolat". At first I found it difficult to get into the story but all of a sudden I just couldn't put it away anymore and kept on reading.

The author has given great desciptions of all characters in this book. It makes you feel acquainted with them and touched by the issues in their lifes. The main character Vianne becomes your friend. Her creativity with chocolate and her ability to feel other people makes this book very special. Great descriptions of the feelings of the parish priest at seeing a chocolaterie emerging in front of his church in fasting time. Oh the hilarity when he ends up in her chocolaterie to destroy all the chocolate for the big Easter feast. The smell of the chocolate was too much to bear after 40 days of fasting, so instead of destroying the chocolate he couldn't resist and started eating a little of everything! LOL.

Won't tell more about the book but if you are interested go and read it. Just one warning the book will make your mouth water for chocolate!

Lucky me for it is Sint Nicolas time in Holland and this morning I found a tasty, big chocolate letter in my shoe. Hah!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Yesterday evening and during the night it kept on snowing.Everything in our garden is covered in whiteness.This morning on my way to work the landscape was fantastic.Even though it looks lovely I shall be glad when everything turns green again.

Walking by the city wall I wondered what was behind it. Ah there is a little passage for walkers.I went through and was entranced by the sight of munching sheep who didn't seem to be bothered by the snow.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Yesterday morning we woke up to find a white world outside.Though I don't like snow I do like the whiteness it brings to the countryside. So here I am on my way to make some nice pictures of all this whiteness.

As far as I could see fields covered by a layer of snow.Driving through very picturesque country lanes.

A little later the snow was already melting slowly.

A church in the distance. As you can see it is winter here already. Not a leaf on the trees and snowrests everywhere making everything quiet messy.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Friday, November 21, 2008

Our last day in Malta we spent in Valletta. We roamed about and I would have liked to show my family the staterooms and St. John's Co-Cathedral.By mistake we visited the armoury (see above) instead of the staterooms and we found another entry price of EUR 15 to visit the staterooms a little too much. As for St. John's Co-Cathedral the queue was very long and besides that an entry of around EUR 25 is no fun either. So we just roamed around and enjoyed the beauty of the capital city of Malta.This is in the Upper Barracca gardens with a lovely view over Grand Harbour.Castille palace is the office of the prime minister.

Ruins of the Royal Opera House, which was bombed to the ground in the 2nd World War.

Our Lady of Victory church

There is much more to see and discover in Valletta. Since 1980 it is on the World Heritage List. According to World Heritage it is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Slowly the photo's of Malta and Gozo I want to share have all been posted in the past weeks. Here are some fruits and flowers that can be found on the Maltese islands. First of all the prickly pear.Autumn is also the season for rummiena, Maltese for pomegranate, a fruit that I used to love to eat nice and cool. Must say that I can't imagine why I ever liked eating this fruit for this time I just couldn't get rid of the little pits in my mouth.Don't know what these yellow flowers are called but I really liked them.The following picture is of a yellow hibiscus.And last but not least the oleander.

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With this blog I would also like to trace everybody who was a boarder at St. Monica School, Malta between 1977and 1981. If you are on this picture or if you were a boarder in that period do send me an e-mail. For more information see my post of 28 October 2006.

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